FEATURE
Roving COW: Ipeleng, my man! It’ s so good to finally sit down and have this conversation with you. The first time we met was at the ABSA Run Your City Series in Tshwane— me in my COW suit, you in your Nedbank kit, moving like a machine on your crutches. That moment stuck with me. Now, here we are, ready for the full story.
Ipeleng Khunou:( laughs) Yeah, man! That was a crazy day. I remember you running up to me with all that energy. I was thinking,“ Who is this guy in a COW suit?” But I’ m always up for a chat— especially if it’ s about inspiring others.
Roving COW: And inspiring is exactly what you do! Let’ s start at the beginning. You were born with Septo Optic Dysplasia, but you’ ve never let that hold you back. Tell us a bit about your journey.
Ipeleng Khunou: Absolutely! So, I was born with this condition which affects my mobility, but my parents always encouraged me to be independent. From a young age I had this attitude of“ never say never.” If there was something I wanted to do, I found a way to do it. Sport became my passion early on, and running with crutches just became part of who I am.
Roving COW: And not just running— you’ re out here smashing races, representing South Africa at the World Abbott Majors like Berlin and London. How does it feel to be on the international stage?
Ipeleng Khunou: It’ s surreal, running those races is about more than just me. It’ s about showing people— especially kids with mobility challenges— that anything is possible. I want them to see that they don’ t have to sit on the sidelines. They can be out there, moving, pushing limits, breaking barriers. Every race I run is for them.
Roving COW: That’ s what stands out about you— you don’ t just talk about change, you make it happen. Tell us about the clinics you run at schools.
Ipeleng Khunou: Yeah, so I visit schools where kids have mobility issues, and we talk, we move, we get active. A lot of them feel isolated and that they can’ t participate in sports. I show them that they can. We work on confidence, technique, and most importantly, mindset. If you believe you can, you will.
Roving COW: Dude, that is powerful. You’ re not just running races, you’ re changing lives. And speaking of races, the Totalsports Two Oceans 21km is coming up— how are you feeling about it?
Ipeleng Khunou: Oh, I’ m ready! I love that race. It’ s tough, but that’ s what makes it exciting. Conquer the Current— that’ s the theme this year, right? Well, that’ s exactly what I plan to do. One crutch stride at a time.
Roving COW: And after that, the London Marathon awaits! Ipeleng Khunou: Yes! London is special to me. It’ s another chance to showcase what’ s possible, to raise awareness, and to keep pushing for support and fundraising so we can help more people get access to mobility aids and opportunities in sports. This isn’ t just my journey— it’ s for everyone out there facing similar challenges.
Roving COW: Ipeleng, you’ re a legend. Your energy is infectious, and your determination is unmatched. I know this is just the beginning of even bigger things for you. Any final words for the readers?
Ipeleng Khunou:( grins) Just this— whatever life throws at you, embrace it. Keep moving forward, keep pushing, and never, ever say never!
Roving COW: I couldn’ t have said it better myself. See you on the road, Crazy Legs!
Ipeleng Khunou: See you out there, my friend!
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